Bunion Treatment

What is a Bunion?

The bunion (Hallux Valgus) is not just a bump on the side of your foot near the big toe. It is actually an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, caused by a misalignment of the big toe joint and possibly other bone formation.

Bunions are characterized by the following:

  • Commonly affect the inner foot near the base of the big toe, though it can also affect the base of the little toe (known as a bunionette or tailor’s bunion).
  • More common in women.
  • Symptoms may or may not appear.
  • They are progressive deformities.

If you suffer from bunions, you can alleviate pain or treat them by resting, icing the area, changing your footwear, wearing orthotics, taking medication, getting steroid injections, and/or having surgery performed.

Symptoms of Bunions

Bunion symptoms may not show up during the early formation, though as the bunion worsens if you wear shoes that crowd the toes, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • A burning feeling
  • Swelling and redness
  • Numbness
  • Difficulty walking

If you suffer from any or all of these symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment.

Is Bunion Surgery Right for You?

As the bunion becomes worse, it may become necessary to have surgery to correct the issue and alleviate the pain you are in. At Twin Rivers Podiatry, we can work with you to determine if surgery is the right course of action for your bunion.

Good candidates for bunion surgery commonly have:

  • Foot pain that is significant enough to hamper your ability to walk and wear normal shoes.
  • Big toe inflammation and swelling that continues even after resting, medication, or other treatments.
  • Toe deformity bad enough that the big toe has the potential to cram the other toes.
  • Toe stiffness that makes it hard or impossible to bend and/or straighten your big toe.
  • Inability to get pain relief after changing footwear.
  • No pain relief from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen and Naproxen.

 

If you are experiencing pain due to bunions and can’t find relief, call Twin Rivers Podiatry to schedule a consultation today!